Showing posts with label Laws of Motion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laws of Motion. Show all posts

Laws of Motion: Comprehensive Book Back Questions and Answers for Science Students

Book Back Questions with Answers - Laws of Motion

I. Choose the correct answer

1) Inertia of a body depends on

  • a) weight of the object
  • b) acceleration due to gravity of the planet
  • c) mass of the object
  • d) Both a & b

2) Impulse is equals to

  • a) rate of change of momentum
  • b) rate of force and time
  • c) change of momentum
  • d) rate of change of mass

3) Newton’s III law is applicable

  • a) for a body is at rest
  • b) for a body in motion
  • c) both a & b
  • d) only for bodies with equal masses

4) Plotting a graph for momentum on the X-axis and time on Y-axis. slope of momentum-time graph gives

  • a) Impulsive force
  • b) Acceleration
  • c) Force
  • d) Rate of force

5) In which of the following sport the turning of effect of force used

  • a) swimming
  • b) tennis
  • c) cycling
  • d) hockey

6) The unit of ‘g’ is $m s^{-2}$. It can be also expressed as

  • a) $cm s^{-1}$
  • b) $N kg^{-1}$
  • c) $N m^2 kg^{-1}$
  • d) $cm^2 s^{-2}$

7) One kilogram force equals to

  • a) 9.8 dyne
  • b) $9.8 \times 10^4 N$
  • c) $98 \times 10^4$ dyne
  • d) 980 dyne

8) The mass of a body is measured on planet Earth as M kg. When it is taken to a planet of radius half that of the Earth then its value will be ____kg

  • a) 4 M
  • b) 2M
  • c) M/4
  • d) M

9) If the Earth shrinks to 50% of its real radius its mass remaining the same, the weight of a body on the Earth will

  • a) decrease by 50%
  • b) increase by 50%
  • c) decrease by 25%
  • d) increase by 300%

10) To project the rockets which of the following principle(s) is/are required?

  • a) Newton’s third law of motion
  • b) Newton’s law of gravitation
  • c) law of conservation of linear momentum
  • d) both a and c

II. Fill in the blanks

  1. To produce a displacement force is required.
  2. Passengers lean forward when sudden brake is applied in a moving vehicle. This can be explained by inertia of motion.
  3. By convention, the clockwise moments are taken as negative and the anticlockwise moments are taken as positive.
  4. Gear is used to change the speed of car.
  5. A man of mass 100 kg has a weight of 980 N at the surface of the Earth.

III. State whether the following statements are true or false. Correct the statement if it is false:

  1. The linear momentum of a system of particles is always conserved.

    False.
    In the absence of external force, the linear momentum of a system of particle is always conserved.
  2. Apparent weight of a person is always equal to his actual weight.

    False.
    Both apparent weight and actual weight can be greater or lesser according to the movement of the person inside the lift.
  3. Weight of a body is greater at the equator and less at the polar region.

    False.
    Weight of the body is less at equator, more at polar region.
  4. Turning a nut with a spanner having a short handle is so easy than one with a long handle.

    False.
    Turning effect (i.e torque, $\tau$) depends on perpendicular distance of the line of action of the applied force $\tau = F \times d$.
  5. There is no gravity in the orbiting space station around the Earth. So the astronauts feel weightlessness.

    False.
    When space station and astronauts have equal acceleration, they are under free fall condition, so both astronaut and space station are in the state of weightlessness.

IV. Match the following

Column I Column II
a. Newton’s I law Propulsion of a rocket
b. Newton’s II law Stable equilibrium of a body
c. Newton’s III law Law of force
d. Law of conservation of Linear momentum Flying nature of bird

Answer:

Column I Column II
a. Newton’s I law Stable equilibrium of a body
b. Newton’s II law Law of force
c. Newton’s III law Flying nature of bird
d. Law of conservation of Linear momentum Propulsion of a rocket

V. Assertion & Reasoning

Mark the correct choice as:

  • a) If both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
  • b) If both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
  • c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
  • d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.

  1. Assertion: The sum of the clockwise moments is equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments.

    Reason: The principle of conservation of momentum is valid if the external force on the system is zero.

    Answer: b) If both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
  2. Assertion: The value of ‘g’ decreases as height and depth increases from the surface of the Earth.

    Reason: ‘g’ depends on the mass of the object and the Earth.

    Answer: c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.

VI. Answer briefly

  1. 1. Define inertia. Give its classification.

    The inherent property of the objects to resist any change in its state of rest or the state of uniform motion unless it is influenced upon by an external unbalanced force is known as "inertia".

  2. 2. Classify the types of force based on their application.

    There are two types of force:

    (i) Contact force: A force which is applied by means of direct physical contact between two objects is known as "contact force". Examples: pushing or pulling an object, muscular force, frictional force, compressing a spring, kicking a football, etc.

    (ii) Non-contact force: A force which is applied without any physical contact between the objects is known as "non-contact force". Examples: gravitational force, magnetic force, electromagnetic force, etc.

  3. 3. If a 5 N and a 15 N forces are acting opposite to one another. Find the resultant force and the direction of action of the resultant force.

    Let the forces be $F_1 = 5 \text{ N}$ and $F_2 = 15 \text{ N}$.

    Since they act in opposite directions, we take one as negative.

    Resultant Force, $R = F_1 + (- F_2$)

    $R = 5 - 15 = -10 \text{ N}$

    The resultant force is -10 N, and the negative sign indicates it acts in the direction of the larger force (15 N).

  4. 4. Differentiate mass and weight.

    Mass Weight
    1. It is the quantity of matter contained in the body. 1. It is the gravitational force exerted on a body due to the earth's gravity alone.
    2. Mass is a scalar quantity. 2. Weight is a vector quantity.
    3. Its unit is kg (kilogram). 3. Its unit is N (newton).
    4. Mass of a body remains the same at any point on the earth. 4. Weight of a body varies from one place to another place on the earth.
    5. Mass can be measured using a physical balance. 5. Weight can be measured using a spring balance.
  5. 5. Define moment of a couple.

    Couple: Two equal and unlike parallel forces applied simultaneously at two distinct points constitute a couple. The line of action of the two forces does not coincide. It does not produce any translatory motion since the resultant is zero. But, a couple results in causing the rotation of the body. Rotating effect of a couple is known as moment of a couple.

    Examples: Turning a tap, winding or unwinding a screw, spinning of a top, etc.

  6. 6. State the principle of moments.

    Principle of moments states that when a number of like or unlike parallel forces act on a rigid body and the body is in equilibrium then the algebraic sum of moments in clockwise direction is equals to the algebraic sum of moments in anticlockwise direction.

    Moment in clockwise direction = Moment in anticlockwise direction

    $$ F_1 \times d_1 = F_2 \times d_2 $$
  7. 7. State Newton’s second law.

    The force acting on a body is directly proportional to the rate of change of linear momentum of the body and the change in momentum takes place in the direction of force.

    $$ F = m \times a $$

    Force = mass x acceleration

  8. 8. Why a spanner with a long handle is preferred to tighten screws in heavy vehicles?

    The turning effect of a body depends upon the distance of the line of action of the applied force from the axis of rotation. Larger the perpendicular distance, lesser is the force required to turn the body. So spanner with long handle is preferred.

  9. 9. While catching a cricket ball the fielder lowers his hands backwards. Why?

    When the fielder pulls back his hands he experiences a smaller force for a longer interval of time leading to less damage to his hands.

  10. 10. How does an astronaut float in a space shuttle?

    (i) Both the astronauts and the space craft experience the same gravitational force of the earth.

    (ii) There is no weight of the astronauts exerted on the surface of the space craft.

    (iii) In turn, there is no reaction force exerted by the surface of the space craft on the astronauts ($R = 0$). So they float.

VII. Solve the given problems

1. Two bodies have a mass ratio of 3:4. The force applied on the bigger mass produces an acceleration of 12 ms-2. What could be the acceleration of the other body, if the same force acts on it.

Given:

Mass ratio is 3:4. Let's assume:

Mass of smaller body, $m_1 = 3 \text{ kg}$

Mass of bigger body, $m_2 = 4 \text{ kg}$

Acceleration of bigger body, $a_2 = 12 \text{ ms}^{-2}$

To Find: Acceleration of the smaller body, $a_1$.

Solution:

According to Newton's second law, $F = m \times a$.

Force on bigger body: $$F_2 = m_2 \times a_2 = 4 \times 12 = 48 \text{ N}$$

Since the same force acts on the smaller body, $F_1 = F_2 = 48 \text{ N}$.

$$F_1 = m_1 \times a_1$$

$$48 = 3 \times a_1$$

$$a_1 = \frac{48}{3} = 16 \text{ ms}^{-2}$$

The acceleration of the smaller body is $16 \text{ ms}^{-2}$.

2. A ball of mass 1 kg moving with a speed of 10 ms-1 rebounds after a perfect elastic collision with the floor. Calculate the change in linear momentum of the ball.

Given:

Mass, $m = 1 \text{ kg}$

Initial velocity, $u = 10 \text{ ms}^{-1}$

Final velocity, $v = -10 \text{ ms}^{-1}$ (rebounds in the opposite direction)

To Find: Change in linear momentum, $\Delta p$.

Solution:

Momentum before collision: $p_{\text{initial}} = mu = (1 \times 10) = 10 \text{ kg ms}^{-1}$

Momentum after collision: $p_{\text{final}} = mv = (1 \times -10) = -10 \text{ kg ms}^{-1}$

Change in momentum, $\Delta p = p_{\text{final}} - p_{\text{initial}}$

$$\Delta p = mv - mu = -10 - 10 = -20 \text{ kg ms}^{-1}$$

The change in linear momentum is $-20 \text{ kg ms}^{-1}$.

3. A mechanic unscrews a nut by applying a force of 140 N with a spanner of length 40 cm. What should be the length of the spanner if a force of 40 N is applied to unscrew the same nut?

Given:

Force $F_1 = 140 \text{ N}$ with length $L_1 = 40 \text{ cm} = 0.4 \text{ m}$

Force $F_2 = 40 \text{ N}$

To Find: Required length, $L_2$.

Solution:

By the principle of moments, the torque required is the same in both cases.

$$ \text{Torque}_1 = \text{Torque}_2 $$

$$ F_1 \times L_1 = F_2 \times L_2 $$

$$ 140 \times 0.4 = 40 \times L_2 $$

$$ 56 = 40 \times L_2 $$

$$ L_2 = \frac{56}{40} = 1.4 \text{ m} $$

The length of the spanner should be $1.4 \text{ m}$.

4. The ratio of masses of two planets is 2:3 and the ratio of their radii is 4:7 Find the ratio of their accelerations due to gravity.

Given:

Ratio of masses, $m_1:m_2 = 2:3$

Ratio of radii, $R_1:R_2 = 4:7$

To Find: Ratio of acceleration due to gravity, $g_1:g_2$.

Solution:

The formula for acceleration due to gravity is $g = \frac{GM}{R^2}$.

The ratio $\frac{g_1}{g_2}$ is:

$$ \frac{g_1}{g_2} = \frac{\frac{GM_1}{R_1^2}}{\frac{GM_2}{R_2^2}} = \left(\frac{M_1}{M_2}\right) \times \left(\frac{R_2^2}{R_1^2}\right) = \left(\frac{M_1}{M_2}\right) \times \left(\frac{R_2}{R_1}\right)^2 $$

Substitute the given ratios:

$$ \frac{g_1}{g_2} = \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) \times \left(\frac{7}{4}\right)^2 $$ $$ \frac{g_1}{g_2} = \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{49}{16} = \frac{98}{48} = \frac{49}{24} $$

The ratio of their accelerations due to gravity, $g_1:g_2$, is 49:24.

VIII. Answer in detail.

  1. 1. What are the types of inertia? Give an example for each type.

    (i) Inertia of rest: The resistance of a body to change its state of rest is called inertia of rest.

    Ex: When you vigorously shake the branches of a tree some of the leaves and fruit are detached and they fall down.

    (ii) Inertia of motion: The resistance of a body to change its state of motion is called inertia of motion.

    Ex: An athlete runs some distance before jumping. Because, this will help him jump longer and higher.

    (iii) Inertia of direction: The resistance of a body to change its direction of motion is called inertia of direction.

    Ex: When you make a sharp turn while driving a car, you tend to lean sideways.

  2. 2. State Newton’s laws of motion?

    (i) Newton's First law: Every object continues to be in its state of rest or the state of uniform motion along a straight line unless it is acted upon by some external force.

    (ii) Newton's second law of motion: The force acting on an object is directly proportional to the rate of change of linear momentum of the object and the change in momentum takes place in the direction of force. This law helps us to measure the amount of force. So it is called as "law of force".

    (iii) Newton's third law of motion: Newton's third law states that "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. They always act on two different bodies".

  3. 3. Deduce the equation of a force using Newton’s second law of motion.

    (i) Let '$m$' be the mass of a moving body, moving along a straight line with an initial speed '$u$'.

    (ii) After a time interval of '$t$', the velocity of the body changes to '$v$' due to the impact of unbalanced external force F.

    (iii) Initial momentum of the body, $P_i = mu$

    (iv) Final momentum of the body, $P_f = mv$

    (v) Change in momentum, $\Delta p = P_f - P_i = mv - mu$

    By Newton's second law of motion, Force is proportional to the rate of change of momentum:

    $$ F \propto \frac{\Delta p}{t} \implies F \propto \frac{mv - mu}{t} $$ $$ F = k \frac{m(v - u)}{t} $$

    Here, k is the proportionality constant, and its value is 1 in all systems of units. Hence,

    $$ F = \frac{m(v - u)}{t} $$

    Since acceleration $a = \frac{v - u}{t}$, we substitute this into the equation:

    $$ F = m \times a $$

    Force = mass × acceleration

  4. 4. State and prove the law of conservation of linear momentum.

    The principle of conservation of linear momentum states that "There is no change in the linear momentum of a system of bodies as long as no net external force acts on them".

    Conservation of linear momentum diagram
    Conservation of linear momentum

    Proof:

    Let two bodies A and B having masses $m_1$ and $m_2$ move with initial velocity $u_1$ and $u_2$ in a straight line. Let $u_1 > u_2$. During a time interval $t$, they collide. After impact, they move with velocities $v_1$ and $v_2$ respectively.

    Force on body B due to A: $$F_B = \frac{m_2(v_2 - u_2)}{t}$$

    Force on body A due to B: $$F_A = \frac{m_1(v_1 - u_1)}{t}$$

    By Newton’s III law, Action force = Reaction force:

    $$ F_A = -F_B $$ $$ \frac{m_1(v_1 - u_1)}{t} = - \frac{m_2(v_2 - u_2)}{t} $$ $$ m_1v_1 - m_1u_1 = - (m_2v_2 - m_2u_2) $$ $$ m_1v_1 - m_1u_1 = -m_2v_2 + m_2u_2 $$ $$ m_1v_1 + m_2v_2 = m_1u_1 + m_2u_2 $$

    The above equation confirms in the absence of an external force, the algebraic sum of the momentum after collision is numerically equal to the algebraic sum of the momentum before collision.

    Hence the law of conservation of linear momentum is proved.

  5. 5. Describe rocket propulsion.

    (i) Propulsion of rockets is based on law of conservation of linear momentum as well as Newton's III law of motion.

    (ii) Rockets are filled with a fuel (either liquid or solid) in the propeller.

    (iii) When the rocket is fired, this fuel is burnt and a hot gas is ejected with high speed from the back nozzle producing a huge momentum.

    (iv) To balance this momentum, an equal and opposite reaction force is produced which makes the rocket project forward.

    (v) While in motion, mass of the rocket gradually decreases until the fuel is completely burnt out. Since there is no net external force acting on it, the linear momentum of the system is conserved.

    (vi) The mass of the rocket decreases with altitude that results gradual increase in velocity of the rocket.

    (vii) At one stage, it reaches a velocity which is sufficient to just escape from the gravitational pull of the Earth. This velocity is called escape velocity.

  6. 6. State the universal law of gravitation and derive its mathematical expression.

    Newton’s Universal law of gravitation: This law states that every particle of matter in this universe attracts every other particle with a force. This force is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between centers of these masses. The direction of the force acts along the line joining the masses.

    Derivation:

    Let $m_1$ and $m_2$ be the masses of two bodies A and B placed at a distance $r$ apart in space.

    Gravitational force between two masses
    Gravitational force between two masses

    From the law, the force $F$ is:

    $$ F \propto m_1 \times m_2 $$ $$ F \propto \frac{1}{r^2} $$

    Combining the above two expressions:

    $$ F \propto \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} $$ $$ F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} $$

    Where G is the universal gravitational constant. Its value in SI units is $6.674 \times 10^{-11} \text{ Nm}^2\text{kg}^{-2}$.

  7. 7. Give the applications of universal law gravitation.

    Application of Newton’s law of gravitation

    (i) Dimensions of the heavenly objects can be measured using gravitation law. Mass of the earth, radius of the earth, acceleration due to gravity etc. can be calculated with a higher accuracy.

    (ii) Helps in discovering new stars and planets. Mass of the double stars can be calculated.

    (iii) One of the irregularities in the motion of stars is called "Wobble" which leads to the disturbance in the motion of planet nearby. In this condition mass of the star can be calculated using law of gravitation.

    (iv) Helps to explain germination of roots due to the property of geotropism, which is the property of root responding to the gravity.

    (v) Helps to predict the path of the astronomical bodies.

IX. HOT Questions

1. Two blocks of masses 8 kg and 2 kg respectively lie on a smooth horizontal surface in contact with one other. They are pushed by a horizontally applied force of 15 N. Calculate the force exerted on the 2 kg mass.

Given:

Mass of block 1, $m_1 = 8 \text{ kg}$

Mass of block 2, $m_2 = 2 \text{ kg}$

Total mass, $m = m_1 + m_2 = 8 + 2 = 10 \text{ kg}$

Applied Force, $F = 15 \text{ N}$

To Find: Force exerted on the 2 kg mass, $F_2$.

Solution:

First, find the acceleration of the combined system:

$$ F = m \times a \implies 15 = 10 \times a $$

$$ a = \frac{15}{10} = 1.5 \text{ ms}^{-2} $$

The force exerted on the 2 kg mass is the force required to accelerate it:

$$ F_2 = m_2 \times a = 2 \times 1.5 = 3 \text{ N} $$

The force exerted on the 2 kg mass is 3 N.

2. A heavy truck and bike are moving with the same kinetic energy. If the mass of the truck is four times that of the bike, then calculate the ratio of their momenta. (Ratio of momenta = 1:2)

Given:

Kinetic Energy of truck = Kinetic Energy of bike ($KE_t = KE_b$)

Mass of truck, $m_t = 4 \times$ Mass of bike, $m_b$

To Find: Ratio of their momenta, $p_t : p_b$.

Solution:

The relationship between Kinetic Energy (KE) and momentum (p) is $KE = \frac{p^2}{2m}$, which means $p = \sqrt{2m \cdot KE}$.

Ratio of momenta:

$$ \frac{p_t}{p_b} = \frac{\sqrt{2m_t \cdot KE_t}}{\sqrt{2m_b \cdot KE_b}} $$

Since $KE_t = KE_b$, they cancel out:

$$ \frac{p_t}{p_b} = \sqrt{\frac{2m_t}{2m_b}} = \sqrt{\frac{m_t}{m_b}} $$

Substitute $m_t = 4m_b$:

$$ \frac{p_t}{p_b} = \sqrt{\frac{4m_b}{m_b}} = \sqrt{4} = 2 $$

So, $\frac{p_t}{p_b} = \frac{2}{1}$. This means the ratio of momenta (truck to bike) is 2:1. The question asks for the ratio of bike to truck, which would be 1:2.

3. “Wearing helmet and fastening the seat belt is highly recommended for safe journey” Justify your answer using Newton’s laws of motion.

(i) According to Newton’s second law, when you fall from a bike on the ground with a force equal to your mass and acceleration of the bike and according to Newton’s third law, an equal and opposite reacting force on the ground is exerted on your body or head. When you do not wear a helmet, this reacting force can cause fatal head injuries. So it is important to wear helmet for a safe journey.

(ii) Consider for instance of an unfortunate collision of a car with another car (or any obstacles in its path). Upon contact with an obstacle, an unbalanced force acts upon the car to abruptly decelerate it to rest. The passengers in the car would also be decelerated to rest if strapped to the seats by seat belts.

(iii) If not strapped to the seats, they no longer share the same state of rest as the car. According to Newton’s first law, the passenger in the car are more likely to maintain the same state of motion, which will result in banging the glass (wind shield) or being thrown forward by breaking the glass windshield. In case of the driver, he might bang himself on the steering wheel. So wearing seatbelts is highly recommended for a safe journey.

Equations of motion table

Laws of Motion MCQs: Test Your Knowledge | Science Study Material

Laws of Motion | Science

I. Choose the correct answer

1) Inertia of a body depends on

a)

weight of the object

b)

acceleration due to gravity of the planet

c)

mass of the object

d)

Both a & b

2) Impulse is equals to

a)

rate of change of momentum

b)

rate of force and time

c)

change of momentum

d)

rate of change of mass

3) Newton’s III law is applicable

a)

for a body is at rest

b)

for a body in motion

c)

both a & b

d)

only for bodies with equal masses

4) Plotting a graph for momentum on the X-axis and time on Y-axis. slope of momentum-time graph gives

a)

Impulsive force

b)

Acceleration

c)

Force

d)

Rate of force

5) In which of the following sport the turning of effect of force used

a)

swimming

b)

tennis

c)

cycling

d)

hockey

6) The unit of ‘g’ is m s-2. It can be also expressed as

a)

cm s-1

b)

N kg-1

c)

N m2 kg-1

d)

cm2 s-2

7) One kilogram force equals to

a)

9.8 dyne

b)

9.8 × 104 N

c)

98 × 104 dyne

d)

980 dyne

8) The mass of a body is measured on planet Earth as M kg. When it is taken to a planet of radius half that of the Earth then its value will be____kg

a)

4 M

b)

2M

c)

M/4

d)

M

9) If the Earth shrinks to 50% of its real radius its mass remaining the same, the weight of a body on the Earth will

a)

decrease by 50%

b)

increase by 50%

c)

decrease by 25%

d)

increase by 300%

10) To project the rockets which of the following principle(s) is /(are) required?

a)

Newton’s third law of motion

b)

Newton’s law of gravitation

c)

law of conservation of linear momentum

d)

both a and c

II. Fill in the blanks

1. To produce a displacement force is required.

2. Passengers lean forward when sudden brake is applied in a moving vehicle. This can be explained by inertia of motion.

3. By convention, the clockwise moments are taken as negative and the anticlockwise moments are taken as positive.

4. Gear is used to change the speed of car.

5. A man of mass 100 kg has a weight of 980 N at the surface of the Earth.

Solved Problems on Laws of Motion - Science

Solved Problems on Laws of Motion - Science

SOLVED PROBLEMS

Problem-1

Calculate the velocity of a moving body of mass 5 kg whose linear momentum is 2.5 kg m s–1.

Solution:

Linear momentum = mass × velocity

Velocity = linear momentum / mass. V = 2.5 / 5 = 0.5 m s–1

Problem 2

A door is pushed, at a point whose distance from the hinges is 90 cm, with a force of 40 N. Calculate the moment of the force about the hinges.

Solution:

Formula: The moment of a force M = F × d

Given: F = 40 N and d = 90 cm = 0.9 m.

Hence, moment of the force = 40 × 0.9 = 36 N m.

Problem 3

At what height from the centre of the Earth the acceleration due to gravity will be 1/4th of its value as at the Earth.

Solution:

Data: Height from the centre of the Earth, Rʹ = R + h

The acceleration due to gravity at that height, gʹ = g/4

Formula for acceleration due to gravity at a height

From the centre of the Earth, the object is placed at twice the radius of the earth.

Key Points to Remember: Laws of Motion | Chapter 1 | 10th Science

Points to Remember: Laws of Motion

Science | Chapter 1

  • Mechanics is divided into statics and dynamics.
  • Ability of a body to maintain its state of rest or motion is called Inertia.
  • Moment of the couple is measured by the product of any one of the forces and the perpendicular distance between two forces.
  • SI unit of force is newton (N). C.G.S unit is dyne.
  • When a force F acts on a body for a period of time t, then the product of force and time is known as ‘impulse’.
  • The unit of weight is newton or kg f
  • The weight of a body is more at the poles than at the equatorial region.
  • Mass of a body is defined as the quantity of matter contained in the object. Its SI unit is kilogram (kg).
  • Apparent weight is the weight of the body acquired due to the action of gravity and other external forces on the body.
  • Whenever a body or a person falls freely under the action of Earth’s gravitational force alone, it appears to have zero weight. This state is referred to as ‘weightlessness’.

Apparent Weight, Weightlessness, and Newton's Law of Gravitation Explained

Apparent Weight

Understanding Apparent Weight

APPARENT WEIGHT

The weight that you feel to possess during up and down motion, is not same as your actual weight. Apparent weight is the weight of the body acquired due to the action of gravity and other external forces acting on the body.

A person in a moving lift

Let us see this from the following illustration:

Let us consider a person of mass m, who is travelling in lift. The actual weight of the person is W = mg, which is acting vertically downwards. The reaction force exerted by the lift’s surface ‘R’, taken as apparent weight is acting vertically upwards.

Let us see different possibilities of the apparent weight 'R' of the person that arise, depending on the motion of the lift; upwards or downwards which are given in Table 1.2

Table showing Apparent weight of a person in a moving lift
Table 1.2: Apparent weight in different scenarios.

1. Weightlessness

Have you gone to an amusement park and taken a ride in a roller coaster? or in a giant wheel? During the fast downward and upward movement, how did you feel?

Its amazing!!. You actually feel as if you are falling freely without having any weight. This is due to the phenomenon of ‘weightlessness’. You seem to have lost your weight when you move down with a certain acceleration. Sometimes, you experience the same feeling while travelling in a lift.

Weightlessness in a roller coaster

When the person in a lift moves down with an acceleration (a) equal to the acceleration due to gravity (g), i.e., when a = g, this motion is called as ‘free fall’. Here, the apparent weight (R = m (g – g) = 0) of the person is zero. This condition or state refers to the state of weightlessness. (Refer case 4 from Table 1.2).

The same effect takes place while falling freely in a roller coaster or on a swing or in a vertical giant wheel. You feel an apparent weight loss and weight gain when you are moving up and down in such rides.

2. Weightlessness of the astronauts

Some of us believe that the astronauts in the orbiting spacestation do not experience any gravitational force of the Earth. So they float. But this is absolutely wrong.

Astronauts are not floating but falling freely around the earth due to their huge oribital velocity. Since spacestation and astronauts have equal acceleration, they are under free fall condition. (R = 0 refer case 4 in Table 1.2). Hence, both the astronauts and the spacestation are in the state of weightlessness.

Weightlessness of astronauts in space station

3. Application of Newton’s law of gravitation

  • Dimensions of the heavenly bodies can be measured using the gravitation law. Mass of the Earth, radius of the Earth, acceleration due to gravity, etc. can be calculated with a higher accuracy.
  • Helps in discovering new stars and planets.
  • One of the irregularities in the motion of stars is called ‘Wobble’ lead to the disturbance in the motion of a planet nearby. In this condition the mass of the star can be calculated using the law of gravitation.
  • Helps to explain germination of roots is due to the property of geotropism which is the property of a root responding to the gravity.
  • Helps to predict the path of the astronomical bodies.

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Understanding the Difference Between Mass and Weight | Physics Explained

Mass and Weight

Key Definitions

MASS AND WEIGHT

Mass

Mass: Mass is the basic property of a body. Mass of a body is defined as the quantity of matter contained in the body. Its SI unit is kilogram (kg).

Weight

Weight: Weight of a body is defined as the gravitational force exerted on it due to the Earth’s gravity alone.

Calculating Weight

The relationship between weight, mass, and gravity is expressed by the following formula:

Weight = Gravitational Force

mass (m) × acceleration due to gravity (g)

g = acceleration due to gravity for Earth (at sea level) = 9.8 m s–2.

Properties of Weight

Weight is a vector quantity. Direction of weight is always towards the centre of the Earth. SI unit of weight is newton (N). Weight of a body varies from one place to another place on the Earth since it depends on the acceleration due to gravity of the Earth (g) weight of a body is more at the poles than at the equatorial region.

Example: Weight on Earth vs. The Moon

The value of acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the moon is 1.625 ms–2. This is about 0.1654 times the acceleration due to gravity of the Earth. If a person whose mass is 60 kg stands on the surface of Earth, his weight would be 588 N (W = mg = 60 × 9.8). If the same person goes to the surface of the Moon, he would weigh only 97.5 N (W = 60 × 1.625). But, his mass remains the same (60 kg) on both the Earth and the Moon.

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Context: 10th Science : Chapter 1 : Laws of Motion : Mass and Weight

Understanding Gravitation: Newton's Law, Acceleration Due to Gravity (g), and Earth's Mass

Gravitation

Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation

GRAVITATION

This law states that every particle of matter in this universe attracts every other particle with a force. This force is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the centers of these masses. The direction of the force acts along the line joining the masses.

Force between the masses is always attractive and it does not depend on the medium where they are placed.

Figure 1.8 Gravitational force between two masses

Let, m1 and m2 be the masses of two bodies A and B placed r metre apart in space

Force F ∝ m1 × m2

F ∝ 1/ r2

On combining the above two expressions

Formula for Gravitational Force F = G * (m1*m2)/r^2

Where G is the universal gravitational constant. Its value in SI unit is 6.674 × 10–11 m2kg–2.

2. Acceleration due to gravity (g)

When you throw any object upwards, its velocity ceases at a particular height and then it falls down due to the gravitational force of the Earth.

The velocity of the object keeps changing as it falls down. This change in velocity must be due to the force acting on the object. The acceleration of the body is due to the Earth’s gravitational force. So, it is called as ‘acceleration due to the gravitational force of the Earth’ or ‘acceleration due to gravity of the Earth’. It is represented as ‘g’. Its unit is m s–2

Mean value of the acceleration due to gravity is taken as 9.8 m s–2 on the surface of the Earth. This means that the velocity of a body during the downward free fall motion varies by 9.8 m s–1 for every 1 second. However, the value of ‘g’ is not the same at all points on the surface of the earth.

3. Relation between g and G

When a body is at rests on the surface of the Earth, it is acted upon by the gravitational force of the Earth. Let us compute the magnitude of this force in two ways. Let, M be the mass of the Earth and m be the mass of the body. The entire mass of the Earth is assumed to be concentrated at its centre. The radius of the Earth is R = 6378 km (= 6400 km approximately). By Newton’s law of gravitation, the force acting on the body is given by

Figure 1.9 Relation between g and G

Here, the radius of the body considered is negligible when compared with the Earth’s radius. Now, the same force can be obtained from Newton’s second law of motion. According to this law, the force acting on the body is given by the product of its mass and acceleration (called as weight). Here, acceleration of the body is under the action of gravity hence a = g

Derivation of the relationship between g and G

4. Mass of the Earth (M)

Rearranging the equation (1.14), the mass of the Earth is obtained as follows:

Mass of the Earth M = g R2/G

Substituting the known values of g, R and G, you can calculate the mass of the Earth as

M = 5.972 × 1024 kg

5. Variation of acceleration due to gravity (g):

Since, g depends on the geometric radius of the Earth, (g ∝ 1/R2), its value changes from one place to another on the surface of the Earth. Since, the geometric radius of the Earth is maximum in the equatorial region and minimum in the polar region, the value of g is maximum in the polar region and minimum at the equatorial region.

When you move to a higher altitude from the surface of the Earth, the value of g reduces. In the same way, when you move deep below the surface of the Earth, the value of g reduces. (This topic will be discussed in detail in the higher classes). Value of g is zero at the centre of the Earth.

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10th Science : Chapter 1 : Laws of Motion : Gravitation

Rocket Propulsion Principle: Newton's Laws and Conservation of Momentum | 10th Science

Rocket Propulsion

ROCKET PROPULSION

Propulsion of rockets is based on the law of conservation of linear momentum as well as Newton’s III law of motion. Rockets are filled with a fuel (either liquid or solid) in the propellant tank. When the rocket is fired, this fuel is burnt and a hot gas is ejected with a high speed from the nozzle of the rocket, producing a huge momentum. To balance this momentum, an equal and opposite reaction force is produced in the combustion chamber, which makes the rocket project forward.

While in motion, the mass of the rocket gradually decreases, until the fuel is completely burnt out. Since, there is no net external force acting on it, the linear momentum of the system is conserved. The mass of the rocket decreases with altitude, which results in the gradual increase in velocity of the rocket. At one stage, it reaches a velocity, which is sufficient to just escape from the gravitational pull of the Earth. This velocity is called escape velocity. (This topic will be discussed in detail in higher classes).

Understanding the Principle of Conservation of Linear Momentum

Principle of Conservation of Linear Momentum

PRINCIPLE OF CONSERVATION OF LINEAR MOMENTUM

There is no change in the linear momentum of a system of bodies as long as no net external force acts on them.

Let us prove the law of conservation of linear momentum with the following illustration:

Diagram illustrating the conservation of linear momentum with two bodies before and after collision

Figure 1.7 Conservation of linear momentum

Proof:

Let two bodies A and B having masses m1 and m2 move with initial velocity u1 and u2 in a straight line. Let the velocity of the first body be higher than that of the second body. i.e., u1>u2 . During an interval of time t second, they tend to have a collision. After the impact, both of them move along the same straight line with a velocity v1 and v2 respectively.

Force on body B due to A,

FB= m2 (v2–u2)/t

Force on body A due to B,

FA = m1 (v1–u1)/t

By Newton’s III law of motion,

Action force = Reaction force
FA    =         –FB
m1 (v1-u1)/t  =       –m2 (v2-u2)/t
m1v1 + m2v2 = m1u1 + m2u2 ------ (1.9)

The above equation confirms in the absence of an external force, the algebraic sum of the momentum after collision is numerically equal to the algebraic sum of the momentum before collision.

Hence the law of conservation linear momentum is proved.

Study Material, Lecturing Notes, Assignment, Reference, Wiki description explanation, brief detail. 10th Science : Chapter 1 : Laws of Motion : Principle of Conservation of Linear Momentum.

Impulse and Impulsive Force: Definition, Formula, and Examples | 10th Science

Impulse - Definition, Formula, Examples

Impulse

A large force acting for a very short interval of time is called as ‘Impulsive force’. When a force F acts on a body for a period of time t, then the product of force and time is known as ‘impulse’ represented by ‘J’

Impulse, J = F × t (1.7)

By Newton’s second law

F = Δp / t (Δ refers to change)
Δp = F × t (1.8)

From 1.7 and 1.8

J = Δp

Impulse is also equal to the magnitude of change in momentum. Its unit is kg m s–1 or N s. Change in momentum can be achieved in two ways. They are:

i. a large force acting for a short period of time and

ii. a smaller force acting for a longer period of time.

Examples:

  • Automobiles are fitted with springs and shock absorbers to reduce jerks while moving on uneven roads.
  • In cricket, a fielder pulls back his hands while catching the ball. He experiences a smaller force for a longer interval of time to catch the ball, resulting in a lesser impulse on his hands.

Introduction to Newton's Laws of Motion | 10th Science Chapter 1

Newton’s Laws of Motion

NEWTON’S LAWS OF MOTION

This law states that every body continues to be in its state of rest or the state of uniform motion along a straight line unless it is acted upon by some external force. It gives the definition of force as well as inertia.

2. Force

Force is an external effort in the form of push or pull, which:

  1. produces or tries to produce the motion of a static body.
  2. stops or tries to stop a moving body.
  3. changes or tries to change the direction of motion of a moving body.

Force has both magnitude and direction.

So, it is a vector quantity.

3. Types of forces

Based on the direction in which the forces act, they can be classified into two types as:

(a) Like parallel forces and (b) Unlike parallel forces.

a) Like parallel forces: Two or more forces of equal or unequal magnitude acting along the same direction, parallel to each other are called like parallel forces.

b) Unlike parallel forces: If two or more equal forces or unequal forces act along opposite directions parallel to each other, then they are called unlike parallel forces. Action of forces are given in Table 1.1.

4. Resultant Force

When several forces act simultaneously on the same body, then the combined effect of the multiple forces can be represented by a single force, which is termed as ‘resultant force’. It is equal to the vector sum (adding the magnitude of the forces with their direction) of all the forces.

Table 1.1 Action of forces
Figure 1.2 Combined effect of forces

If the resultant force of all the forces acting on a body is equal to zero, then the body will be in equilibrium. Such forces are called balanced forces. If the resultant force is not equal to zero, then it causes the motion of the body due to unbalanced forces.

Examples: Drawing water from a well, force applied with a crow bar, forces on a weight balance, etc.

A system can be brought to equilibrium by applying another force, which is equal to the resultant force in magnitude, but opposite in direction. Such force is called as ‘Equilibrant’.

5. Rotating Effect of Force

Have you observed the position of the handle in a door? It is always placed at the edge of door and not at some other place. Why? Have you tried to push a door by placing your hand closer to the hinges or the fixed edge? What do you observe?

The door can be easily opened or closed when you apply the force at a point far away from the fixed edge. In this case, the effect of the force you apply is to turn the door about the fixed edge. This turning effect of the applied force is more when the distance between the fixed edge and the point of application of force is more.

Figure 1.3 Rotating effect of a force

The axis of the fixed edge about which the door is rotated is called as the ‘axis of rotation’. Fix one end of a rod to the floor/wall, and apply a force at the other end tangentially.

The rod will be turned about the fixed point is called as ‘point of rotation’.

6. Moment of the Force

The rotating or turning effect of a force about a fixed point or fixed axis is called moment of the force about that point or torque (τ). It is measured by the product of the force (F) and the perpendicular distance (d) between the fixed point or the fixed axis and the line of action of the force. τ = F × d

Torque is a vector quantity. It is acting along the direction, perpendicular to the plane containing the line of action of force and the distance. Its SI unit is N m.

Couple: Two equal and unlike parallel forces applied simultaneously at two distinct points constitute a couple. The line of action of the two forces does not coincide. It does not produce any translatory motion since the resultant is zero. But, a couple results in causes the rotation of the body. Rotating effect of a couple is known as moment of a couple.

Examples: Turning a tap, winding or unwinding a screw, spinning of a top, etc.

Moment of a couple is measured by the product of any one of the forces and the perpendicular distance between the line of action of two forces. The turning effect of a couple is measured by the magnitude of its moment.

Moment of a couple = Force × perpendicular distance between the line of action of forces

M = F × S

The unit of moment of a couple is newton metre (N m) in SI system and dyne cm in CGS system.

By convention, the direction of moment of a force or couple is taken as positive if the body is rotated in the anti-clockwise direction and negative if it is rotated in the clockwise direction.

They are shown in Figures 1.4 (a and b)

Clockwise and Anticlockwise moment diagrams

7. Application of Torque

1. Gears:

A gear is a circular wheel with teeth around its rim. It helps to change the speed of rotation of a wheel by changing the torque and helps to transmit power.

2. Seasaw

Most of you have played on the seasaw. Since there is a difference in the weight of the persons sitting on it, the heavier person lifts the lighter person. When the heavier person comes closer to the pivot point (fulcrum) the distance of the line of action of the force decreases. It causes less amount of torque to act on it. This enables the lighter person to lift the heavier person.

3. Steering Wheel

A small steering wheel enables you to manoeuore a car easily by transferring a torque to the wheels with less effort.

8. Principle of Moments

When a number of like or unlike parallel forces act on a rigid body and the body is in equilibrium, then the algebraic sum of the moments in the clockwise direction is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments in the anticlockwise direction. In other words, at equilibrium, the algebraic sum of the moments of all the individual forces about any point is equal to zero.

Figure 1.5 Principle of moments

In the illustration given in figure 1.5, the force F1 produces an anticlockwise rotation at a distance d1 from the point of pivot P (called fulcrum) and the force F2 produces a clockwise rotation at a distance d2 from the point of pivot P. The principle of moments can be written as follows:

Moment in clockwise direction = Moment in anticlockwise direction

F1 × d1 = F2 × d2

NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION

According to this law, “the force acting on a body is directly proportional to the rate of change of linear momentum of the body and the change in momentum takes place in the direction of the force”.

This law helps us to measure the amount of force. So, it is also called as ‘law of force’. Let, ‘m’ be the mass of a moving body, moving along a straight line with an initial speed ‘u’ After a time interval of ‘t’, the velocity of the body changes to ‘v’ due to the impact of an unbalanced external force F.

Initial momentum of the body Pi = mu

Final momentum of the body Pf = mv

Change in momentum Δp = Pf – Pi

= mv – mu

By Newton’s second law of motion,

Force, F ∝ rate of change of momentum

F ∝ change in momentum / time

Formula for force proportional to change in momentum over time

Here, k is the proportionality constant. k = 1 in all systems of units. Hence,

Derivation of Force formula F=ma

Since, acceleration = change in velocity/ time, a=(v-u)/t. Hence, we have

F = m × a

Force = mass × acceleration

No external force is required to maintain the motion of a body moving with uniform velocity. When the net force acting on a body is not equal to zero, then definitely the velocity of the body will change. Thus, change in momentum takes place in the direction of the force. The change may take place either in magnitude or in direction or in both.

Force is required to produce the acceleration of a body. In a uniform circular motion, even though the speed (magnitude of velocity) remains constant, the direction of the velocity changes at every point on the circular path. So, the acceleration is produced along the radius called as centripetal acceleration. The force, which produces this acceleration is called as centripetal force, about which you have learnt in class IX.

Units of force: SI unit of force is newton (N) and in C.G.S system its unit is dyne.

Definition of 1 newton (N): The amount of force required for a body of mass 1 kg produces an acceleration of 1 m s–2, 1 N = 1 kg m s–2

Definition of 1 dyne: The amount of force required for a body of mass 1 gram produces an acceleration of 1 cm s–2, 1 dyne = 1 g cm s–2; also 1 N = 105 dyne.

Unit force:

The amount of force required to produce an acceleration of 1 m s–2 in a body of mass kg is called ‘unit force’.

Gravitational unit of force:

In the SI system of units, gravitational unit of force is kilogram force, represented by kg f. In the CGS system its unit is gram force, represented by g f.

1 kg f = 1 kg × 9.8 m s-2 = 9.8 N;

1 g f = 1 g × 980 cm s-2 = 980 dyne

Linear Momentum: Definition, Formula, and Units | 10th Science Laws of Motion

10th Science : Chapter 1 : Laws of Motion : Introduction

Linear Momentum

LINEAR MOMENTUM

The impact of a force is more if the velocity and the mass of the body is more. To quantify the impact of a force exactly, a new physical quantity known as linear momentum is defined. The linear momentum measures the impact of a force on a body.

The product of mass and velocity of a moving body gives the magnitude of linear momentum. It acts in the direction of the velocity of the object. Linear momentum is a vector quantity.

Linear Momentum = mass × velocity

p = m v

It helps to measure the magnitude of a force. Unit of momentum in SI system is kg m s–1 and in C.G.S system its unit is g cm s-1.

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Inertia: Understanding Types and Examples | 10th Science, Chapter 1: Laws of Motion

Introduction 10th Science Chapter 1: Laws of Motion

Inertia - Types and Examples of Inertia

INERTIA

While you are travelling in a bus or in a car, when a sudden brake is applied, the upper part of your body leans in the forward direction. Similarly, when the vehicle suddenly is move forward from rest, you lean backward. This is due to, any body would like to continue to be in its state of rest or the state of motion. This is known as ‘inertia’.

The inherent property of a body to resist any change in its state of rest or the state of uniform motion, unless it is influenced upon by an external unbalanced force, is known as ‘inertia’.

In activity described above, the inertia of the coin keeps it in the state of rest when the cardboard moves. Then, when the cardboard has moved, the coin falls into the tumbler due to gravity. This happen due to ‘inertia of rest’.

1. Types of Inertia

a) Inertia of rest: The resistance of a body to change its state of rest is called inertia of rest.

b) Inertia of motion: The resistance of a body to change its state of motion is called inertia of motion.

c) Inertia of direction: The resistance of a body to change its direction of motion is called inertia of direction.

Inertia of rest example with a coin, card, and tumbler

2. Examples of Inertia

  • An athlete runs some distance before jumping. Because, this will help him jump longer and higher. (Inertia of motion)
  • When you make a sharp turn while driving a car, you tend to lean sideways, (Inertia of direction).
  • When you vigorously shake the branches of a tree, some of the leaves and fruits are detached and they fall down, (Inertia of rest).
Inertia of motion example showing a long jumper

Introduction to Laws of Motion: Force and Motion Concepts | 10th Science Chapter 1

10th Science | Chapter 1: Laws of Motion

Introduction: Force and Motion

FORCE AND MOTION

According to Aristotle a Greek Philosopher and Scientist, the natural state of earthly bodies is ‘rest’. He stated that a moving body naturally comes to rest without any external influence of the force. Such motions are termed as ‘natural motion’ (Force independent). He also proposed that a force (a push or a pull) is needed to make the bodies to move from their natural state (rest) and behave contrary to their own natural state called as ‘violent motion’ (Force dependent). Further, he said, when two differnt mass bodies are dropped from a height, the heavier body falls faster than the lighter one.

Galileo proposed the following concepts about force, motion and inertia of bodies:

  1. The natural state of all earthly bodies is either the state of rest or the state of uniform motion.
  2. A body in motion will continue to be in the same state of motion as long as no external force is applied.
  3. When a force is applied on bodies, they resist any change in their state. This property of bodies is called ‘inertia’.
  4. When dropped from a height in vacuum, bodies of different size, shape and mass fall at the same rate and reach the ground at the same time.

Introduction to Laws of Motion | Chapter 1 | 10th Science

10th Science : Chapter 1 : Laws of Motion | Introduction

LAWS OF MOTION

INTRODUCTION

Human beings are so curious about things around them. Things around us are related to one another. Some bodies are at rest and some are in motion. Rest and motion are interrelated terms.

In the previous classes you have learnt about various types of motion such as linear motion, circular motion, oscillatory motion, and so on. So far, you have discussed the motion of bodies in terms of their displacement, velocity, and acceleration. In this unit, let us investigate the cause of motion.

When a body is at rest, starts moving, a question that arises in our mind is ‘what causes the body to move?’ Similarly, when a moving object comes to rest, you would like to know what brings it to rest? If a moving object speeds up or slows down or changes its direction. what speeds up or slows down the body? What changes the direction of motion?

One answer for all the above questions is ‘Force’. In a common man’s understanding of motion, a body needs a ‘push’ or ‘pull’ to move, or bring to rest or change its velocity. Hence, this ‘push’ or ‘pull’ is called as ‘force’.

Let us define force in a more scientific manner using the three laws proposed by Sir Isaac Newton. These laws help you to understand the motion of a body and also to predict the future course of its motion, if you know the forces acting on it. Before Newton formulated his three laws of motion, a different perception about the force and motion of bodies prevailed. Let us first look at these ideas and then eventually learn about Newton’s laws in this unit.

Mechanics

Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the effect of force on bodies. It is divided into two branches, namely, statics and dynamics.

  • Statics:

    It deals with the bodies, which are at rest under the action of forces.

  • Dynamics:

    It is the study of moving bodies under the action of forces. Dynamics is further divided as follows.

    • Kinematics:

      It deals with the motion of bodies without considering the cause of motion.

    • Kinetics:

      It deals with the motion of bodies considering the cause of motion.